OBITUARY

Dr Iris Depaz died on 12/08/2024.

Dr Iris Depaz was elected to the Academy in 2024, with her Fellowship awarded posthumously following her passing ahead of the induction ceremony. She was elected in recognition of her influence on creating impact out of medical research and bringing it into the clinic. 

Dr Iris Depaz profoundly changed the model for the translation and commercialisation of medical research into the clinic in Australia, establishing a first-of-its-kind, global scientific community focused on mRNA technology and translational science. 

She led digital health projects using artificial intelligence and led the development of the first pneumococcal vaccine for ear disease in Indigenous children. She also commissioned training programs to combat vaccine hesitancy, rolled out to thousands of health professionals.

Dr Depaz was known for her visionary leadership, her mentorship of researchers moving into industry, and her ability to engage widely to create impact. She was a dedicated and passionate champion of growing pharmaceutical and health technology companies in Australia.

Dr Iris Depaz has profoundly changed the model of translation and commercialisation of medical research into the clinic in Australia, creating a first-of-its-kind, global scientific community focused on mRNA technology and translational science. She is a role model, coach and mentor to researchers moving into industry and a passionate champion of growing pharmaceutical and HealthTech companies in Australia, rather than offshoring the IP early in its development.